On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, the Portland Police Bureau's Youth Services Division (YSD) responded to Chapman Elementary School located at 1445 Northwest 26th Avenue on a report of a potential bias crime.
Chapman Elementary School staff notified police in support of a Portland Public School employee who had located an object that they perceived to be a noose in a secure maintenance area of the school. A School Resource Officer (SRO) responded and took an initial report and consulted with Bias Crime detectives.
While an employee did find an item that they perceived to be a noose, no one came forward to police to report having been the victim of a crime. After investigating, there is no evidence that a crime occurred, and no evidence to support that the item was placed with the intent to cause fear in the community.
The Bureau investigates all reports of bias-motivated crimes and encourages any member of our community who is the victim of such a crime to contact law enforcement. Under Oregon law, bias crimes are defined as any criminal act that targets a victim based on the suspect's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or national origin. Detectives work to determine whether or not bias elements are present during the reported crime that align with Oregon law as defined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS):
* ORS 166.165 -- Bias crime in the First Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.165
* ORS 166.155 -- Bias crime in the Second Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.155
If you have been the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you have been the victim of a different bias crime and the suspect is no longer present, such as vandalism or graffiti, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
To learn more about bias crime investigations and reported bias/hate crime statistics within the City of Portland, please visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/77066
Additionally, the City of Portland is a partner in Portland United Against Hate, which is a community initiated partnership of Community Based Organizations, Neighborhood Associations, concerned communities and the City. To learn more, please visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/72583
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